Lewis Hamilton has formally arrived at Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters, marking the graduation of his preparations for the 2025 Method 1 season. This second alerts the beginning of what Hamilton envisions as a outstanding last part of his illustrious F1 profession.
As anticipated, Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari was stuffed with introductions and conferences. After reconnecting with Fred Vasseur, who had been his group principal within the decrease racing classes, Hamilton met with a number of members of Ferrari’s senior administration. This included Benedetto Vigna, Ferrari’s CEO, and Piero Ferrari, the corporate’s vice-chairman and son of the legendary Enzo Ferrari. Following these discussions, Hamilton toured the varied departments throughout the Maranello facility.
The spotlight of the week will undoubtedly be Hamilton’s first check with the group. Followers are eagerly awaiting the second when they may lastly see the seven-time world champion behind the wheel of Ferrari’s iconic pink automobiles.
Beneath present rules, Ferrari has the choice to make use of both the 2022 or 2023 automotive for this preliminary check. There may be additionally a risk that Hamilton will get the prospect to drive the 2025 automotive earlier than the official pre-season check in Bahrain on the finish of subsequent month.
Whereas the Maranello group has not but confirmed when Lewis Hamilton’s first check on the Fiorano monitor will happen, it appears seemingly that he’ll start by utilizing the group’s simulator. This cautious strategy would enable him to familiarize himself with the automotive earlier than hitting the group’s residence monitor.
In a associated improvement, the mayor of Maranello has declared a state of emergency following the overwhelming inflow of followers desirous to see Hamilton in motion. In keeping with F1-Insider, the mayor has requested further police assist from close by areas to deal with the crowds. The primary concern is managing the visitors within the small city, which has been swamped by followers following one of the important driver transfers in F1 historical past.
Native inns are reportedly absolutely booked, and to alleviate a few of the strain, Ferrari is conserving Lewis Hamilton’s check schedule underneath wraps. This choice is meant to forestall followers from gathering at Fiorano prematurely.
Earlier this week, Ferrari unveiled the primary official picture of Hamilton as a group driver, that includes him alongside his favourite supercar, the Ferrari F40, in entrance of Enzo Ferrari’s residence. The picture rapidly garnered large consideration, with practically 5 million likes on Instagram as of this writing.
The thrill surrounding Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari has solely grown, with former F1 champion Damon Hill commenting on the publish, saying, “There it’s, the start.” Hamilton is now targeted on securing an unprecedented eighth world title with the Scuderia. In the meantime, McLaren’s Lando Norris expressed his admiration for Hamilton by calling him a “don,” remarking on his sharp look in a go well with and overcoat quite than the standard group gear.
The Italian facet is about to formally launch their 2025 season on February 19, sooner or later after the F175 occasion in London. The group will unveil their new livery on the O2, becoming a member of the opposite 9 F1 groups within the annual pre-season festivities.